Haflinger Horses Information

The name Haflinger comes from the Austrian Tyrolean village of Hafling. Haflinger ancestry can be traced to the Middle Ages in the mountains of northern Italy and Austria. There is a draft strain and a pleasure-strain of Haflinger and both are flashy horses well suited to almost any task.

  1. History

    • The Haflinger horse that people are familiar with today is the result of the birth of a foundation stud colt named 249 Folie born in 1874. After World War II, the Austrian government took over the breeding of the Haflingers. The first Haflingers were imported to the United States in the 1960s. Modern breeders attempt to improve the breed with occasional cross-breeding with other horse breeds.

    Appearance

    • The Haflinger is a muscular horse with a thick coat of chestnut brown hair, ranging from blond to chocolate brown. The mane and tail are thick and blond. The slightly Arabian-type head has handsome white markings. The Haflinger is a small horse, between 12 and 14 hands high, with a quick and smooth gait. Each hand equals four inches.

    Temperament

    • This little horse is capable and tough. Haflingers are quick, sensible and gentle, allowing their handlers to feel a sense of security. Haflingers have been developed for riding, farming, packing and pulling light carts.